An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.
HB 1853 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. It updates definitions, licensing procedures, and board powers while adding a specific restriction: it prohibits the use of the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist" for professionals not meeting the defined standards for these licensed roles. The bill directly affects current license holders and applicants in these specific mental health professions within Pennsylvania. Key provisions include clarifying board functions, licensing requirements, out-of-state license endorsement rules, and adding penalties for unauthorized title use.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 9, 2025
Last action Sep 9, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Sep 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Melissa Shusterman
DDemocratic
Co
Ben Sanchez
DDemocratic
Co
Carol Hill-Evans
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Pielli
DDemocratic
Co
Dan Williams
DDemocratic
Co
Heather Boyd
DDemocratic
Co
Kyle Donahue
DDemocratic
Co
Lisa Borowski
DDemocratic
Co
Malcolm Kenyatta
DDemocratic
Co
Mary Jo Daley
DDemocratic
Co
Nancy Guenst
DDemocratic
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